Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot Recipe

Introduction

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a tender, flavorful dish that combines savory steak with vibrant bell peppers, all cooked slowly to perfection. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, as the Crock Pot allows the ingredients to meld together for a rich, juicy meal without much effort. This dish delivers a satisfying balance of tenderness from the steak, sweetness from the peppers, and a savory, umami-rich sauce that brings everything together.

Perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family meal, this Pepper Steak is an easy, hands-off dinner that will impress your guests. The Crock Pot ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while soaking up all the flavors of the sauce and vegetables. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a go-to comfort food option.

Why You’ll Love Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

• Effortless Cooking: With the convenience of a Crock Pot, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooking process work its magic.
• Tender, Flavorful Steak: The Crock Pot allows the steak to cook low and slow, resulting in tender, juicy meat that absorbs all the delicious flavors of the peppers and sauce.
• Vibrant Vegetables: The bell peppers and onions provide a colorful contrast and a sweet, crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the savory meat.
• Rich, Savory Sauce: The sauce is a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet, bringing all the ingredients together in a deliciously rich coating.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe can be made ahead of time, and it stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prepping and leftovers.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 7 hours (includes slow cooking time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
• Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 14-18g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot:

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)

Special Equipment

Making Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot doesn’t require specialized tools, but a few key pieces of equipment will ensure an efficient and successful cooking process:

1. Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: A large, 6-quart Crock Pot or slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It allows the steak and vegetables to cook evenly and gives you enough space to mix everything together comfortably.
2. Skillet (for Searing the Meat): Although optional, searing the steak before adding it to the Crock Pot enhances the flavor by creating a rich, caramelized crust. A large skillet is perfect for this step.
3. Measuring Spoons and Cups: Accurate measurements are key for the sauce to achieve the right balance of flavors. Using standard measuring spoons and cups ensures the right consistency.
4. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is essential for slicing the steak and vegetables into thin, uniform strips that cook evenly in the Crock Pot.
5. Mixing Spoon: Use a mixing spoon to stir the sauce ingredients and combine everything in the Crock Pot.
6. Small Bowl (for Cornstarch Slurry): A small bowl is helpful for mixing the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry that thickens the sauce toward the end of the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak

Start by cutting the flank or sirloin steak into thin strips against the grain. This will ensure the steak remains tender and easy to eat after slow cooking.

Optional: For added flavor and a better sear, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and sear them in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are browned. This step is not necessary but enhances the flavor by creating a rich caramelized crust. Once seared, transfer the steak to the Crock Pot.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. These will cook down in the Crock Pot and add sweetness and crunch to the dish. Add the sliced vegetables directly to the Crock Pot on top of the steak.

3. Add the Sauce Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil (if using). Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground black pepper, and salt to the sauce mixture. Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Stir everything together gently to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients.

4. Slow Cook the Pepper Steak

Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the cooking time, the steak will become tender, and the vegetables will soften, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

5. Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, create a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the Crock Pot and mix well. This will help thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once the Pepper Steak is done cooking, give it a final stir to ensure the sauce has coated everything evenly. Serve the dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle fresh chopped herbs or a few sesame seeds on top for an extra touch.

Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

• Cut Against the Grain: Cutting the steak against the grain ensures that the meat stays tender, as the fibers are shortened and easier to chew.
• Searing the Meat is Optional: Searing the steak before adding it to the Crock Pot enhances the flavor, but it’s not a required step. You can skip it if you’re short on time.
• Use Fresh Bell Peppers: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh bell peppers. Frozen peppers can become mushy and less flavorful during the slow cooking process.
• Control the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper to the sauce. You can also adjust the amount of black pepper to your liking.
• Serve with Steamed Rice: Pepper Steak is traditionally served with steamed white or brown rice. The rice helps soak up the savory sauce, making it even more delicious.

Variations of Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot

• Mushroom Pepper Steak: Add sliced mushrooms to the Crock Pot along with the peppers and onions. The mushrooms add an earthy flavor that complements the beef.
• Spicy Pepper Steak: For a kick, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the sauce. The extra heat will balance the sweetness of the peppers and the richness of the beef.
• Vegetarian Pepper Steak: For a vegetarian version, substitute the steak with firm tofu or tempeh. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep the flavors balanced.
• Curry Pepper Steak: Add 1 tablespoon of curry powder to the sauce for a twist on the traditional flavor profile. This will infuse the dish with a warm, aromatic spice.

Storage and Shelf Life

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot stores well and can be enjoyed as leftovers. After the meal, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Pepper Steak

• Steamed Rice: Serve the Pepper Steak over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a complete and filling meal.
• Noodles: For an alternative to rice, serve the dish over noodles like egg noodles or rice noodles. The sauce will coat the noodles beautifully.
• Steamed Vegetables: Pair the dish with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas for a healthy and colorful addition to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: For extra indulgence, serve the Pepper Steak with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

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Conclusion

Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines tender steak, vibrant vegetables, and a savory sauce. With minimal effort and a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that’s perfect for busy nights or leisurely weekends. The slow cooking process ensures that the steak remains tender, while the sauce coats the vegetables and beef with rich flavor. Whether served over rice or noodles, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Enjoy the savory goodness of Pepper Steak with the convenience of a Crock Pot!